Multiple subscription subscriber identity module (SIM) card

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention include a multiple subscription subscriber identity module (SIM) card. The SIM card includes a plurality of sets of subscription parameters from which to select and activate a single set of parameters. The sets of subscription parameters each contain various information, e.g., information such as an Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID) and an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and are based on various criteria, e.g., different service regions of use for the electronic device on which the SIM card is installed. A set of subscription parameters is selected for a particular region of use either manually or automatically. The SIM card, which can include a software interface that provides a list of available sets of subscription parameters, is activated by updating the selected set of subscription parameters. Alternatively, a default set of subscription parameters is selected unless a different set of subscription parameters is selected manually from among the plurality of sets of subscription parameters. According to alternative embodiments of the invention, the selected set of subscription parameters can be deactivated and a different set of subscription parameters can be selected and updated to in the SIM card.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates to subscriber identity module (SIM) cards forportable electronic devices such as mobile and wireless telephones. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to multiple subscription SIM cardsin such portable devices.

2. Description of Related Art

Smart cards conventionally are used in many types of portable electronicdevices, especially communication devices, for storing data, enablingaccess to a particular network or account, or configuring such devicesto perform different functions. Such cards typically are made of plasticand have an electronic chip module mounted or embedded therein. Theelectronic chip module typically is a semiconductor chip including anintegrated circuit with a microprocessor and memory, if appropriate, andcontact or connection points for electrically connecting the terminalsof the integrated circuit to the contact interface of the electronicdevice in which the card is inserted.

For example, many mobile or wireless telephones use cards with asubscriber identity module (SIM) to enable a user to access the wirelesstelephone network in a particular market or region of the country. TheSIM typically is equipped with an electrically erasable programmableread-only memory (EEPROM) that has stored therein various informationneeded to operate and properly configure the SIM, and to identify themobile phone user. Such information, which typically is thought of orreferred to as a set of subscription parameters, includes the identityof the user and/or user account, and the network in which the useraccount is activated. For example, the set of subscription parametersstored in the SIM may include the user's mobile telephone number, anIntegrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID), and an International MobileSubscriber Identity (IMSI).

Some wireless telephone service providers have a different type of SIMcard, for different service regions or markets throughout the country,e.g., when two or more regional service providers consolidate theiroperations. In such cases, it usually is not possible to simplyconsolidate the SIM supply because subscription information resident onthe SIM is tied to the original region. Having different types or stockkeeping units (SKUs) of SIMs often creates difficulties for the serviceprovider and retailers. For example, mobile phone retailers have tomaintain the multiple SIM SKUs if they are selling to mobile telephonecustomers in different service markets or regions.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to have available a single type ofSIM card suitable for use in different service markets or regionswithout having to redesign existing network and IT systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is embodied in a multiple subscription subscriber identitymodule (SIM) card and a method for activating a specific set ofsubscription parameters on a multiple subscription SIM card. The SIMcard includes a plurality of sets of subscription parameters from whichto select and activate a single set of subscription parameters. The setsof subscription parameters are based on various criteria, e.g.,different service regions of use for the electronic device into whichthe SIM card is installed. According to embodiments of the invention,the retailer, the user or even the service provider can select theappropriate set of subscription parameters for the user's particularregion of use by various means, e.g., via a software interface thatdisplays the available sets of subscription parameters, e.g., byproviding a list of the available sets of subscription parameters thatare electronically stored on the SIM. The different sets of subscriptionparameters each contain various information, e.g., information such asan Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID) and an InternationalMobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). Activating the SIM card includesupdating the SIM with the selected set of subscription parameters.According to alternative embodiments of the invention, a default set ofsubscription parameters is selected unless a different set ofsubscription parameters is selected manually from among the plurality ofsets of subscription parameters. In these alternative embodiments, a setof subscription parameters is selected automatically by the SIM,depending on various criteria, e.g., which communications network ornetwork region onto which the SIM card first registers. The method foractivating a set of subscription parameters includes providing a SIMcard that has stored thereon a plurality of sets of subscriptionparameters, accessing, e.g., via a software interface, the plurality ofsets of subscription parameters, selecting a desired set of subscriptionparameters, and updating the SIM card with the selected set ofsubscription parameters. According to alternative embodiments of theinvention, the selected set of subscription parameters can bedeactivated and a different set of subscription parameters can beselected and updated in the SIM card.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a subscriber identity module(SIM) card according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a method for activating a set ofsubscription parameters on a multiple subscription SIM card according toembodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the following description like reference numerals indicate likecomponents to enhance the understanding of the invention through thedescription of the drawings. Also, although specific features,configurations and arrangements are discussed hereinbelow, it should beunderstood that such is done for illustrative purposes only. A personskilled in the relevant art will recognize that other steps,configurations and arrangements are useful without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a simplified schematic diagram of asubscriber identity module (SIM) card 10 according to an embodiment ofthe invention. The SIM card 10 typically fits into a slot or otherappropriate location in an electronic device, such as a mobile orwireless telephone (not shown). The SIM card 10 typically hasappropriate contacts that allow the SIM card 10 to interface orelectrically connect with the contact interface of the electronicdevice. Also, the SIM card 10 typically has appropriate softwarecomponents stored therein to interface with various software componentsof the electronic device.

The SIM card 10 typically is made of plastic or other suitable materialand has mounted or otherwise coupled thereon or embedded therein asubscriber identity module (SIM) 15. Typically, the SIM 15 includes asemiconductor chip that has an integrated circuit with memory,including, e.g., an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM). The SIM 15 contains electronically-stored information such asconfiguration information necessary to allow an electronic device suchas a mobile telephone to access particular communication networks andperform other functions. Such configuration information includesconfiguration files, e.g., conventional GSM files and othercommunication network configuration files.

The SIM 15 also has electronically-stored information such asidentification information for the electronic device, the user of theelectronic device and/or the account or accounts of the user of theelectronic device. For example, in mobile telephones, the SIM 15contains user identification information such as the mobile telephonenumber of the user, an SIM card serial number, i.e., an IntegratedCircuit Card Identifier (ICCID), and an International Mobile SubscriberIdentity (IMSI). Such information is stored in standard GSM files on theSIM 15. Also, the SIM 15 contains other data such as Pin codes, securitykeys, application files, user setting files, and account feature settingfiles.

The information contained in a SIM constitutes a unique set ofsubscription parameters that identifies the user, the user device and/orthe market or region in which the device is used. Conventionally, somemobile or wireless phone service providers have different types of SIMs,i.e., different SIM stock keeping units (SKUs), based on the potentialor available markets or regions in which the mobile phone can beactivated. That is, some service providers have different SIM sets ofsubscription parameters for the different service regions or markets.Thus, some service providers often must keep an inventory of differentSIM SKUs or be able to supply different SIM SKUs for different marketregions.

However, in general, service providers and retailers who sell to usersdesire one type of SIM card that can be activated in any region ormarket in the country. Otherwise, the retailer must purchase and stockdifferent SIM SKUs for different regions in which they sell to users.The maintenance of different SIM SKUs for different markets or regionsis inefficient and thus disadvantageous for retailers and customers, aswell as for the wireless service providers and other providers of SIMcards.

According to embodiments of the invention, the SIM card 10 includes asingle SIM SKU having stored thereon multiple sets of subscriptionparameters. The multiple sets of subscription parameters are stored onthe SIM 15 in an appropriate manner, e.g., using non-standardapplication files. The multiple sets of subscription parameters provideflexibility for a user, retailer, service provider or other party toselect which set of subscription parameters to use when activating theelectronic device in which the SIM card 10 is used. For example,according to embodiments of the invention, the SIM 15 contains differentsets of subscription parameters for various markets or regions in whicha service provider provides service. In this manner, the user, retailer,service provider or other party can select which set of subscriptionparameters to use from among the plurality of sets of subscriptionparameters stored on the SIM 15.

Thus, from a service provider perspective, the service provider or otherparty that supplies SIMs and/or SIM cards need only provide a singletype of SIM (i.e., a single SIM SKU) to retailers, regardless of, e.g.,the number of markets or regions in which the SIM will be used.Similarly, from a retail and user perspective, retailers need only stockone SIM SKU for all available markets or regions. The multiplesubscription SIM allows the mobile phone or other electronic device tobe adaptable to different criteria, e.g., different markets or regions,by allowing a particular set of subscription parameters to be activatedon the SIM 15, depending on the market or region in which the SIM 15 isto be used.

As shown generally in FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the invention,the SIM 15 has stored thereon a plurality of sets of subscriptionparameters, with each set of subscription parameters includingidentification and configuration information for a different type ofoperation. For example, the multiple sets of subscription parameters canbe based on different operating markets or regions, as discussedhereinabove. However, according to embodiments of the invention, thecontent of the multiple sets of subscription parameters can be based onany distinct type of operation or other criteria. That is, the multiplesets of subscription parameters may represent various criteria, e.g.,different types of users, different types of user accounts, differenttypes of electronic device features or functions, different networkoperating regions, or different types of operating networks.

For example, the SIM 15 includes a first set of subscription parameters(shown generally as 22), which includes user information, e.g., an IMSI(IMSI #1), an ICCID (ICCID #1), and any other necessary parametersneeded for operating the SIM 15 in, e.g., a first market or region. TheSIM 15 also includes a second set of subscription parameters (showngenerally as 24), which also includes user information, e.g., an IMSI(IMSI #2), an ICCID (ICCID #2), and other necessary parameters neededfor operating the SIM 15 in a second region. The SIM 15 also includesadditional sets of subscription parameters (shown generally as 26),which contain corresponding information as the first and second sets ofsubscription parameters, but are particular to the different region ofuse. According to embodiments of the invention, the number of sets ofsubscription parameters included in the SIM 15 depends on variouscriteria, e.g., the number of potential regions in which the SIM 15 canbe activated.

According to embodiments of the invention, the particular set ofsubscription parameters selected for use in the SIM 15 is chosenmanually prior to activation of the SIM 15 by various means, e.g., via asoftware interface, which will be discussed in greater detailhereinbelow. Alternatively, the chosen set of subscription parameters isselected automatically based on certain criteria, e.g., the networkregion onto which the SIM 15 first registers.

According to an embodiment of the invention, one of the plurality ofsets of subscription parameters is established as a default set ofsubscription parameters. In such embodiment, the default set ofsubscription parameters is selected automatically as the set ofsubscription parameters to be used by the SIM 15. As will be discussedin greater detail hereinbelow, the automatic selection of the defaultset of subscription parameters is made at certain times, e.g., uponactivation of the SIM 15 or, alternatively, upon the occurrence of someother event (e.g., the initial or subsequent power-up or registration ofthe SIM 15). In this manner, the default set of subscription parameterswill be selected unless the retailer or user selects a different set ofsubscription parameters that is not the default set of subscriptionparameters.

The SIM 15 also includes other information, e.g., conventional operationand configuration information and files, that is not dependent on whichset of subscription parameters is selected, i.e., not dependent on theparticular region of use of the SIM 15. Such information (shown as 28)includes, e.g., security data including authentication data, PIN codes,personal unblocking key (PUK) codes, over-the-air (OTA) security keys,and other application files and user setting information.

As discussed hereinabove, according to embodiments of the invention, theset of subscription parameters to be selected depends on criteria suchas the region or market in which the SIM 15 is to be activated.Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is a simplified block diagram of a method30 for activating a set of subscription parameters from a plurality ofsets of subscription parameters on a SIM card according to embodimentsof the invention.

The first step 32 of the method 30 is to provide a SIM 15 with multiplesets of subscription parameters stored thereon. As discussedhereinabove, according to embodiments of the invention, the SIM 15includes multiple sets of subscription parameters, with each differentset of subscription parameters based on various criteria, e.g., thepotential market or region in which the SIM 15 is to be used.

The next step 34 is to access the multiple sets of subscriptionparameters available on the SIM 15. The multiple sets of subscriptionparameters are stored on the SIM 15, in application files, i.e.,electronically stored in a memory portion of the SIM 15.

Access to the multiple sets of subscription parameters is achieved viaany suitable manner. According to an embodiment of the invention, themultiple sets of subscription parameters are accessed via a softwareinterface loaded onto the SIM 15 (shown as step 36). For example, thesoftware interface interacts with a terminal and displays or otherwiseprovides a list of sets of subscription parameters available on the SIM15 (shown as step 38) from which to chose a desired set of subscriptionparameters. Alternatively, the software interface causes the terminal todisplay a menu-based program that allows a user to select the desiredset of subscription parameters.

Once the user accesses the sets of subscription parameters available onthe SIM 15, the next step 42 is for the user to select the desired setof subscription parameters to be used in the SIM 15. Depending on thehow the available sets of subscription parameters are accessed, thedesired set of subscription parameters is selected, e.g., from a list ofavailable choices, from a menu-based arrangement, or in some othersuitable manner. Once the desired set of subscription parameters areselected, they are saved and stored for use by the SIM 15.

For example, according to embodiments of the invention, the desired setof subscription parameters is selected manually (shown as step 43) orautomatically (shown as step 44). With the manual selection step 43, theretailer or end user accesses the available sets of subscriptionparameters and manually (e.g., via the terminal) selects which set ofsubscription parameters to be used in the SIM 15. Alternatively, withthe automatic selection step 44, a set of subscription parameters isselected by the SIM 15 automatically based on certain criteria, e.g.,onto which network the terminal first registers. In this manner, neitherthe retailer nor the end user has to select the set of subscriptionparameters to be used.

In one embodiment, the automatic selection step 44 can allow a user tohave a different set of subscription parameters for various regions ormarkets in which the user operates. In this embodiment, the device, uponfirst power-up, reads the network identification and automaticallyselects a set of subscription parameters based on the network ID. Uponpower-up in a different network location, the device may or may notautomatically select a different set of subscription parameters based onthat network ID depending upon the preference of the network operator.

Also, as discussed briefly hereinabove, according to yet anotherembodiment of the invention, a default set of subscription parameters isselected (shown as step 45). For example, a default set of subscriptionparameters is established based on certain criteria, e.g., based on thelikely market or region in which the SIM 15 is to be used. With thisselection step 45, the default set of subscription parameters isselected automatically at a desired time, e.g., upon initial orsubsequent power-up or registration of the SIM 15. According toembodiments of the invention, the default set of subscription parameterscan be supplanted by a different set of subscription parameters ifdesired by the user.

Once the desired set of subscription parameters is selected, the nextstep 46 is to update the SIM 15 with the chosen set of subscriptionparameters and activate the SIM 15 using the selected set ofsubscription parameters. In this manner, the desired set of subscriptionparameters, in effect, becomes the default set of subscriptionparameters for the SIM 15. The SIM 15 is updated with the selected setof subscription parameters, e.g., in a conventional manner. That is, theselected set of subscription parameters is saved in a portion of the SIMmemory that is accessed by the terminal when the SIM 15 is initially orsubsequently powered up. Once the selected set of subscriptionparameters is accessed by the SIM 15, the SIM 15 is activated using theselected set of subscription parameters and is ready for operation. Inthis manner, the selected set of subscription parameters are copied fromthe application files to the corresponding standard GSM files, fromwhere they can be accessed by the terminal.

According to embodiments of the invention, the selection of a desiredset of subscription parameters may or may not be permanent. That is, asdesired, one selected set of subscription parameters can be deactivatedand a different set of subscription parameters can be selected andactivated. According to embodiments of the invention, a set ofsubscription parameters can be activated, deactivated and reactivated asmany times as desired. In general, the ability to activate anddeactivate different sets of subscription parameters provides the userwith the flexibility to use the same SIM 15 in different regions ormarkets.

For example, the SIM 15 may be distributed with no default set ofsubscription parameters, and instructions to activate the selection of aset of subscription parameters may be based on the retailer or userentering a specific value for the voicemail number or the mobilesubscriber ISDN (MSISDN) through the terminal interface. Once thedesired set of subscription parameters is selected and the SIM 15 isactivated with the selected set of subscription parameters, the SIM 15may be instructed to deactivate the application for selecting the set ofsubscription parameters.

Alternatively, the SIM 15 can be programmed to ask automatically uponSIM power-up or registration for the desired set of subscriptionparameters. This option can occur each time the SIM is powered up foroperation or, alternatively, this option can be programmed toautomatically turn off once an initial set of subscription parameters isselected. Also, alternatively, it is possible to reinstate this optionby manually selecting that the SIM ask for the desired set ofsubscription parameters automatically or manually, whether or not aninitial desired set of subscription parameters has been selected.

The SIM according to embodiments of the invention provides advantageousflexibility to service providers who currently may be supplyingretailers with different SIM SKUs that each have a single subscriptionparameter set. Embodiments of the invention allow such a serviceprovider to supplement their current inventory of single set SIMs withSIMs according to embodiments of the invention. Also, embodiments of theinvention allow the service provider to gradually migrate over tomultiple subscription SIMs according to embodiments of the inventionwithout discarding existing inventory.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes andsubstitutions can be made to the embodiments of the invention hereindescribed without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the appended claims and their full scope of equivalents.For example, the invention could be applied to electrical communicationdistribution systems.

1. A multiple subscription subscriber identity module (SIM) card for usewith portable devices, said card comprising: a subscription identitymodule (SIM) coupled to said card, said SIM including a plurality ofsets of subscription parameters, wherein a single set of subscriptionparameters is selected from among the plurality of sets of subscriptionparameters and wherein the selected set of subscription parameters isactivated.
 2. A multiple subscription SIM card as recited in claim 1,wherein at least one set of subscription parameters corresponds to oneof a plurality of different operating markets of use for the SIM card.3. A multiple subscription SIM card as recited in claim 1, wherein theSIM has a default set of subscription parameters from among theplurality of sets of subscription parameters, wherein the default set ofsubscription parameters is selected unless a set of subscriptionparameters different from the default set of subscription parameters isselected.
 4. A multiple subscription SIM card as recited in claim 1,wherein the SIM further comprises a software interface for selectingwhich one of the plurality of sets of subscription parameters toactivate.
 5. A multiple subscription SIM card as recited in claim 4,wherein the software interface is activated upon powering up the SIMcard, unless one set of the plurality of subscription parameters hasbeen selected/activated.
 6. A multiple subscription SIM card as recitedin claim 4, wherein the software interface further comprises amenu-based software interface.
 7. A multiple subscription SIM card asrecited in claim 6, wherein, during activation of the card, the set ofsubscription parameters is automatically selected based on the market inwhich the SIM card is activated.
 8. A multiple subscription SIM card asrecited in claim 1, wherein at least one set of the plurality of sets ofsubscription parameters includes an Integrated Circuit Card Identifier(ICCID).
 9. A multiple subscription SIM card as recited in claim 1,wherein at least one set of the plurality of sets of subscriptionparameters includes an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI).10. A method for activating a set of subscription parameters on asubscriber identity module (SIM) card, comprising the steps of:providing a subscriber identity module (SIM) card having a subscriptionidentity module (SIM) coupled to said card, said SIM including aplurality of sets of subscription parameters; accessing at least one ofthe plurality of sets of subscription parameters in the SIM; andselecting at least one set of subscription parameters.
 11. A method asrecited in claim 10, further comprising the step of updating the SIMmodule with the selected set of subscription parameters.
 12. A method asrecited in claim 10, wherein at least one set of subscription parameterscorresponds to one of a plurality of different operating markets of usefor the SIM card, and wherein the selecting step further comprisesactivating the set of subscription parameters based on the operatingmarket of use for the SIM card.
 13. A method as recited in claim 10,wherein the SIM has a default set of subscription parameters from amongthe plurality of sets of subscription parameters, and wherein theselecting step further comprises activating the default set ofsubscription parameters unless a set of subscription parametersdifferent from the default set of subscription parameters is selected.14. A method as recited in claim 10, wherein the SIM includes a softwareinterface, and wherein the accessing step further comprises instructingthe software interface providing a list of the available sets ofsubscription parameters.
 15. A method as recited in claim 14, whereinthe selecting step further comprises instructing the software interfaceto select one set of subscription parameters from among the plurality ofsubscription parameters and instructing the software interface to updatethe SIM module with the selected set of subscription parameters.
 16. Amethod as recited in claim 14, wherein, upon powering up the SIM card,the software interface provides a list of available sets of subscriptionparameters unless a set of subscription parameters already has beenactivated.
 17. A method as recited in claim 10, wherein the plurality ofsets of subscription parameters are based on the markets of use of theSIM card, and wherein the selecting step further comprises automaticallyactivating the set of subscription parameters based on the market inwhich the SIM card is to be used primarily.
 18. A method as recited inclaim 10, wherein the selecting step further comprises the steps of:deactivating the selected set of subscription parameters, selecting adifferent set of subscription parameters, and updating the SIM modulewith the newly selected set of subscription parameters.